3 held, 4th sought in $377K payroll embezzlement

Saturday

Mar 2, 2013 at 12:01 AM

STOCKTON - The Stockton Police Department arrested three people in connection with an embezzlement case Friday and is asking for the public's help in finding a fourth person accused of bilking a local business out of nearly $400,000, authorities said.

Jason Anderson

STOCKTON - The Stockton Police Department arrested three people in connection with an embezzlement case Friday and is asking for the public's help in finding a fourth person accused of bilking a local business out of nearly $400,000, authorities said.

While working as a payroll manager at a business in the 8800 block of Thornton Road from January 2011 to July 2012, Becky Vochatzer, 34, issued several unauthorized checks to herself as well as her mother, Sandra Melton; her brother, Raymond Price; and a co-worker, Liliana Trejo, police said. The business lost more than $377,000 in the scam, authorities said.

On Friday, police arrested Melton, 63; Price, 43; and Trejo, 42, authorities said. All three were arrested on suspicion of grand theft, conspiracy and falsifying corporate books. Price, a parolee at large, also was arrested for a parole violation warrant.

Vochatzer has not been located, police said. She has an active felony warrant for her arrest.

Authorities are encouraging anyone with information pertaining to this case or Vochatzer's whereabouts to contact the Police Department at (209) 937-8377, the Investigations Unit at (209) 837-9323 or Crime Stoppers at (209) 946-0600. Callers can remain anonymous.

Cellphone users can text information to CRIMES (274637) and type the keyword TIPSPD followed by their tip. Internet users can visit the department's Facebook page and click "Submit a Tip."